Joann Kucera
Joann Kucera, 83, formerly of Irons, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on April 7, 1942, in Coleman, to the late John and Mary Ann (Behrens) Salusky.
Joann graduated from Coleman High School in 1960 and went on to earn her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Mercy Central Hospital School of Nursing. She dedicated herself to both her profession and her community, serving as a member of St. Bernard Altar Society and supporting local fire departments in Eden, Elk, and Sauble Townships, where she also served as Fireboard Secretary.
Known for her outgoing and friendly nature, Joann brought warmth and energy to every room she entered. She was an avid outdoorswoman who loved deer hunting and fishing, and she found great joy in gardening, cooking, and baking—especially making chocolate desserts, despite not being able to enjoy them herself. Her faith was central to her life, and she served her church as both a cantor and a eucharistic minister. Her love of Notre Dame football was well known.
Joann is survived by her daughters, Noreen “Karen” and Simon Garza, and Michelle and Greg Horst; her grandsons, Kennith Kucera, Simon (Amanda) Garza II, Jeramiah Greenwood and his fiancée Amanda Harke, and Miguel Garza and Abby Martin; her siblings, Charles “Chuck” and Pat Salusky, Anna May and Terry Spencer, Carol Bell Jorgensen and John Jorgensen, Susan “Sue” and Steve Vanderburg, and Mary Margaret and Roy Kindall; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, including Charles W. Salusky, Cherylyn Boustead, Mike Ken and John Spencer, John Bell, Marie Beverly, Beth Stickney, Sara Ortega, Logan Kindall, and Laura Li. She is also survived by 13 great-nieces and nephews and five great-great-nieces and nephews. Joann shared many years with her longtime companion and dear friend, Jack Hankowicz.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Evelyn Marie; and her former spouse and longtime friend, Leonard J. Kucera.
A Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be held on Saturday May 9, 2026 at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard Parish in Irons, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Joann will be laid to rest at Eden Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Joann’s honor to the American Lung Association.
Joann will be remembered for her kindness, her devotion to family and faith, and the joy she found in both simple pleasures and meaningful service to others.
Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com.
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